Film on Friday #45 - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

I'm not sure why, but there's a plethora of 'dying teen' movies being made. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is recently released from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. It's based on the novel of the same name by Jesse Andrews.

Greg Gaines has worked hard at blending in, going unnoticed and being on good terms with all the different groups at his high school. Oh, and he makes quirky little films with his 'co-worker' Earl. He's coasting along just fine. Until his mother insists he spend time with Rachel who is battling cancer. They really don't know each other very well....but things change as he and Rachel become unlikely friends. Greg is forced to confront the truths that Rachel lays out - about both herself and him.

Great casting! Thomas Mann is wonderful as Greg - his glib banter and self-deprecating manner hide his lack of confidence. The connection between him and Rachel (Olivia Cooke) is absolutely believable. Cooke masterfully underplays her role - any louder or affected would not have worked. I must admit that Earl (newcomer R.J. Cyler) kinda stole the show for me. Again the relationship between Earl and Greg really works. Molly Shannon as Rachel's mom brought me some Saturday Night Live flashback moments. Jon Bernthal plays teacher Mr. McCarthy. Although his appearance is quite different, I still had a hard time not associating him with his Walking Dead role.

Now you might think that the plot would veer off into doomed dying girl teen romance territory. And I thought it was going to as well. Not so. Instead, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl explores friendships on many levels, coming of age, loss, love and more. Humorous, sad, quirky. An indie kind of take on what seems to be a newly recurring style of 'teen' film.

Cinematically, I found some of the long lens and fish eye shots took away from the movie for me. I started focusing on whether or not that staircase could truly be that steep instead of the dialogue happening. But, movies play a large role in Greg's life and the film, so I can understand why director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon would add some artistic touches. (Now this is just me, but I really didn't enjoy Greg's movies - and while Greg's final film has it's moments, I wasn't blown away)

All in all, I enjoyed Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - winner of the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Have a peek at the trailer below.

 

Paper Towns - Review And Giveaway

I have a great fondness for 'teen' movies. And movies made from great YA books. Paper Towns is the second John Green book to make it to the big screen. "

"The story focuses on Quentin (Nat Wolff), a high school senior who has been in love with his enigmatic neighbor Margo (Cara Delevingne) since childhood. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears–leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Q must find a deeper understanding of friendship–and true love."

I thought Wolff played a great 'geek', an innocent just discovering the first of many things in the countdown to the end of high school. Delevingne has a lovely gravelly voice and a manner about her that suggests a mystery. They were great choices for the lead character. There was a fun cameo from Ansel Elgort too!

When I first read the book, I was fascinated by the idea of Paper Towns - yes it's a real thing, not a catchy made up title. There are a few differences from book to movie, but none that detract at all.

And although Green is a young adult writer, there are lots of truths in his books for anyone and everyone....

"You have to get lost before you find yourself." "Maybe we all won't win the lottery or marry royalty or make that last minute shot. But that doesn't mean we won't have amazing adventures, meet exceptional people and make indelible memories."

I had fun making some memories by scrap booking and watching the movie today!
 #PaperTownsMemories  @FHEInsiders  @FoxHomeEnt  @PaperTownsMovie
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